Batter Marnus Labuschagne is still a key part of Australia's future in test cricket despite failing to impress in their five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship final, coach Andrew McDonald said.

Marnus Labuschagne's dismal form continued to haunt him as the Australian star endured a poor World Test Championship final against South Africa at the Lord's.

Despite losing the World Test Championship final to South Africa, Australia maintain their lead in the latest update of the ICC Test team rankings with the Proteas jumping up to second in the charts.

Hobbling captain Temba Bavuma and hundred-hitter Aiden Markram have pushed South Africa to the brink of a sensational victory over Australia in a gripping World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

Final: Australia were outplayed by Temba Bavuma's South Africa in the 'Ultimate Test'. This was the first final that Pat Cummins lost as the skipper of the Aussie Test team

LONDON, June 15 (Reuters) - A riveting World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa went a long way to boost the sagging credentials of the five-day game, but the format of the competition is in need of a revamp, according to many of the game’s top observers.

Batter Marnus Labuschagne is still a key part of Australia's future in test cricket despite failing to impress in their five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship final, coach Andrew McDonald said.

South Africa 138 and 282 for 5 (Aiden Markram 146, Temba Bavuma 66, Mitchell Starc 3-66) beat Australia 212 (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66, Kagiso Rabada 5-51) and 207 (Starc 58, Alex Carey 43, Rabada 4-59,